1. Preliminary clarification: three interconnected concepts

Etymologically, the term motivation comes from the word motif, itself derived from the Latin motivus (mobile) and movere (to move), which in Old French meant "that which sets in motion". Motivation would therefore concern the study of the motives that "drive us to act", the analysis of the process that "sets us in motion".

We'll use this definition. This will lead us, firstly, to question the deep-rooted mechanisms, the hidden springs at work in human behavior, and then, secondly, to go beyond traditional practices, particularly in terms of command and remuneration, as they have existed and still exist in companies.

Three words are often used in everyday language to refer to what we're talking about here: satisfaction, motivation, involvement. These words are not equivalent and must be precisely defined to clarify the presentation....